Mississauga Touch Football LeagueAGM Package 2017 Season


Table of contents

1.LEAGUE INTRODUCTION

1.1.Greetings / Introductions

1.2.League History

1.3.Meeting Agenda

2.2017 LEAGUE EXECUTIVE

2.1.Voting for Executive Committee

2.1.1.Nominations

2.1.2.Vote Tabulations

2.2.Assistants to Executive Committee

2.3.Assigned Executive Roles & Responsibilities

2.4.Volunteering

3.2016 SEASON – Champions, Finalists, and Award Winners

4.PROPOSED CHANGES TO CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS, AND POLICIES

4.1.Constitution

4.2.Bylaws

4.3.Policies

4.3.1.Jersey Policy

4.3.2.Late Fees

5.LEAGUE FINANCES – BUDGET

5.1.Financial Status

6.TEAM & PLAYER REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE

6.1.Team Registration

6.1.1.Registration Payment

6.1.2.Payment Methods

7.Due Dates and Fees

7.1.Player Registration

7.1.1Process

7.1.2Player Agreement

7.1.3.Team Rosters

7.2.Insurance

8.FIELD PERMITS, SCHEDULING & RESCHEDULING

8.1.Field Permits

8.2.Regular-Season Games

8.3.Playoff Games

8.4.Weather Policy

8.5.Divisional Alignment

8.6.Scheduling - Team Preference Sheet

8.7.Rescheduling of Games

8.8.Fees for Team-Initiated Rescheduling and Game Default

9.REGULAR SEASON AND PLAYOFF GAME ELIGIBILITY

9.1.Regular-Season Game Eligibility

9.2.Playoff-Game Eligibility

10.THE GAME and ITS RULES

10.1.The Rulebook

10.2.Equipment

10.3.Scores and Standings

10.4.Game Delays

10.5.Game Defaults

10.6.No Sub-In This Year

11.MEMBER CONDUCT

11.1.League Motto

11.2.Code of Conduct

11.3.Game Conduct

11.4.Ejections

11.5.Discipline Committee

12.MISSISSAUGA OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION (MOA)

12.1.MTFL’s Support of MOA

12.2.Officiating

12.3.Expressing Concerns

13.CHECKLIST – PRE-SEASON

13.1.Team Rep / Captain Responsibilities

13.1.1.TFONT – Karelo.com

13.1.2.MTFL

13.2.Player Responsibilities

13.2.1.To TFONT – KARELO.com

13.2.2.To MTFL & Team

14.DURING THE SEASON, ON GAME DAY, AT THE GAME

14.1.Team Reps & Captains

14.2.Players

14.3.Game Officials

15.KEY DATES (DEADLINES)

16.OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

16.1.New Players – New Team

16.2.Pick-Up Game

16.3.TFONT - Hybrid Tournament Teams

16.4.Brampton Tournament – MTFL the Host

16.5.TFONT

16.6.Website Development

17.QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD

18.POST AGM SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING

18.1.GAMES and RULES

18.2.EQUIPMENT

18.3.OTHER EXHIBITS, FORMS OR PRESENTATIONS OF INTEREST

1.LEAGUE INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the MTFL’s AGM for the 2017 season – MTFL’s 45th season of touch football.

1.1.Greetings/Introductions

Recognize distinguished guests and representatives in attendance:

Mississauga Officials Association (MOA) Executive – George Zielinski, Peter Cover

1.2.League History

The MTFL was established in 1972 and remains a non-registered, non-incorporated, not-for-profit sports organization committed to providing transparency as well as fulfilling its mission statement of providing organized touch football in a safe, fun and competitive environment.

1.3.Meeting Agenda

This evening’s meeting is planned with 3 information sessions.

Agenda Session / Duration / Summary
A / 70 minutes / Main Meeting:
All team representatives are required to attend.
Please note: Only the captain of record of a veteran team in good standing, or his designate, will be allowed to vote on any tabled issue. Each team is assigned only one vote per question.
B / 10 minutes / Questions and Answers:
All team representatives should attend.
Responses to some questions may be deferred if it is anticipated that they will be answered later in the evening, or they require investigation by the Executive Committee.
C / 10 minutes / Post AGM Supplementary Meeting (if necessary)
All representatives of new applicant teams are required to attend while all other persons invited to this AGM may also attend.
More specific details about the league, its organizational requirements, planned events, and proceedings will be discussed.

2.2017 LEAGUE EXECUTIVE

Elect the members of the MTFL 2017 Executive Committee who will hold decision-making powers and voting rights in governing the MTFL.

2.1.Voting for Executive Committee

2.1.1.Nominations

Nominees for Executive Committee* with voting privileges:

  1. President:Glenn Stevenson
  2. Vice-President: Matthew Vincent
  3. Executive Member: John Avarino
  4. Executive Member: Jeff Hubert

*For the one-year term encompassing the 2017 Season beginning March 23rd, 2017.

2.1.2.Vote Tabulations

A vote to accept the above will now be conducted. Only one (1) representative of each veteran team in good standing may vote.

Those FOR: ______Those AGAINST: ______Those OBSTAINING: ______

2.2.Assistants to Executive Committee

Assistants have influence but NO voting privileges:

  • Member-at-Large: Dan Ward
  • Member-at-Large: John Schiebel

2.3.Assigned Executive Roles & Responsibilities

1)Glenn Stevenson: President; Registrar; Record Retention; MOA Liaison; League Discipline

2)Matthew Vincent: Vice-President; Treasurer

3)Jeff Hubert: Scheduler

4)John Avarino: Public Relations; Website & Technology

5)Dan Ward: Discipline Committee; data entry; Photographer

6)John Schiebel: Past-President, Consultant

2.4.Volunteering

If you have benefited from the MTFL through hours of enjoyable and memorable recreation, perhaps now it is time for you to consider giving back to the league. Volunteers are always welcome. One can assist the league either as an executive committee member or as a volunteer performing a specific task such as recording game or roster data, or organizing the Year-End Celebration or other event. Commitment: 10 to 40 hours. Beyond 40 hours, financial compensation may be offered.

By volunteering, you are lightening the load of the other volunteers, thereby reducing league costs. This is a simple way of reducing league fees.

Please see any of the Executive Committee members when tonight’s meeting has concluded if you are interested in helping in the operation of this league.

3.2016 SEASON – Champions, Finalists, and Award Winners

DivisionChampionsFinalists

A PiranhasCobras

B CanesAngels

CGreatest Show on TurfWolverines

DStingersShockerz

EMilitiaOfferdahl Ornery

Division / MVP 2016 / Sportsman 2016
A / George Ioannides (Hawks) / Nevin Blair (Piranhas)
B / Kevin Logan (Renegades) / Mark Zielinksi (GridIron)
C / Ian Simpson (Bears) / Sahan Warnack (Kryptonite)
D / Jon Schoutsen (Gators) / Kevin Zolnieryk (Gators)
E / Simon Harry (Militia) / Brian Merker (Offerdahl Ornery)

4.PROPOSED CHANGES TO CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS, AND POLICIES

4.1.Constitution

1. In ARTICLE V: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

a) Renaming of Roles. Removing Vice-President from the title of the various roles and using positional terms rather than activities. E.g., “Vice-President – Scheduling” becomes “Scheduler”

b) Adding the role of Vice-President and description of duties.

Vice-President

The duties of this role are to assist the President in administrating the affairs of the League. This individual is entitled to represent the League on all League matters. In the event that the President is unable to perform his role, for whatever reason, short term or long term, the Vice-President will assume the duties of the President.

4.2.Bylaws

(1)3.0 REGISTRATION

(a)(3.4) Roster Size –CHANGE TO: 21players[FROM: 20 players.]

(2)4.0 GAME ELIGIBILITY

(a)(4.1) CHANGE TO: …restrict, decline or terminate the eligibility of any player at any time for any period of time for the purpose of supporting the league’s mandate of providing organized touch football in a safe, fun, competitive environment…

[FROM: …restrict, decline or terminate the eligibility of any player at any time for any period of time and for any reason…]

(b)(4.2) CHANGE TO: Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Agreement [FROM: waiver]

CHANGE TO: Touch Football Ontario Rulebook [FROM: very officiating rules of the game itself]

(3)5.0 REGISTRATION

(a)Registration Fees [5.2]

(i)Remove “payment chart”

(ii)be subject to an escalating “late fee”

(4)7.0 Season information

(a)(7.3) In the case of both teams forfeiting a scheduled game, the MTFL will assign both teams a loss with a score of ‘0-0’.

(5)8.0 Game Information

(a)(8.3) Remove: requirement for being present in first half to be considered present.

(8.7) Remove dollar values ($250)

CHANGE TO:“A fine will be assessed to a team for a game forfeiture. A portion will be awarded to the non-offending team…”

CHANGE TO: A second game forfeiture may result in expulsion from the MTFL for the current season or playoffs, and/or subsequent seasons.

4.3.Policies

4.3.1.Jersey Policy

There will be NO 15 yd penalty for a jersey infraction. Game officials are instructed to make note of the infraction on the game sheet. When a pattern of jersey infractions by a team is noted, the league will seek to have the team resolve the issue.

4.3.2.Late Fees

Change chart to reflect new LATE FEES:

(1)one to three business days: $50

(2)four to six business days: $100

(3)seven to ten business days: $150

(4)After ten business days, game suspensions and/or exclusion from playoffs may be assigned.

5.LEAGUE FINANCES– BUDGET

5.1.Financial Status

1)League finances are in good shape. As of 31-Dec-2016, the league’s bank account cash-on-hand balance was $4372.74. For comparative purposes, the league’s bank balance as of31-Dec-2015was $3305.92.

2)During the 2016 season, the Executive authorized a new type of expense known as ‘Legal Fees’ with the purpose of acquiring legal advice. Advice was sought regarding MTFL’s player-registration documentation in terms of suitability in avoiding litigation and possible legal suits. $500 in legal advice was acquired regarding a review of the league’s player waiver/release-of-liability form. An additional $500 was spent on a legal counsel retainer fee for future legal advice from legal counsel Mr. Al McNish.

3)The Executive is considering building its overall surplus to 20% of its annual operational costs to assist with paying any unanticipated expenses such as legal fees.

4)If at the end of the year, an overall surplus exists which significantly exceeds 20% of the total operating costs for the season, the excess funds will be refunded proportionately to the teams in good standing.

5)The financial forecast for the upcoming 2017 season is based on a league of 22 teams. Total revenue forecasts are restricted to mandatory team fees only, with each team paying the $1800 Team Registration and $150 Insurance fees.

Team Fee / $1,796.46 / $112.28 / Per Player
Unanticipated Expenditures / $ 101.69 / $ 6.36 / (16 player Roster)
Est. League Expenses/Team / $1,694.77 / $ 105.92 / % of Expenses
Mandatory MOA Payments / $ 976.31 / $ 61.02 / 58%
Total Field Permit Payments / $ 168.47 / $ 10.53 / 10%
Fees & Charges / $ 235.23 / $ 14.70 / 14%
League Primary Enrichment / $ 269.32 / $ 16.83 / 16%
League Secondary Enrichment / $ 45.45 / $ 2.84 / 3%

AGM-Exhibit: Budget forecast for the 2017 Season based on 22 teams (worst-case scenario).

6.TEAM & PLAYER REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE

6.1.Team Registration

6.1.1.Registration Payment

(1)Fees may be made in one payment - $1800 due Thu., Mar. 23, 2017 (AGM)

(2)Fees may be made in two installments: $1000 and $850 = $1850

(a)Installment #1: Due date is Thu., Mar. 23, 2017 (AGM)

(b)Installment #2: Due date is Mon., May 1, 2017

FINAL DATE FOR REGISTRATION IS THU., APRIL 13, 2017.

An insurance payment must also be made; however, it is to be paid through TFONT and its Karelo.com registration system. (See Insurance.)

6.1.2.Payment Methods

6.1.2.1.E-Mail Transfers

Teams may pay their registration fees using online email transfers – recommended and preferred by the Executive.

Send to:

Passwords: mtfl-(teamname); e.g., “mtfl-bears” or “mtfl-offerdahlornery”

(no spaces, no capitals, no quotation marks)

Please use the name that appears on the league website.

6.1.2.2.Cheques

Teams may also pay by cheque. If paying by cheque, please ensure that the funds are made out to: ‘Mississauga Touch Football League’ and NOT ‘MTFL’.

A team whose cheque ‘bounces’ will be charged a $50 processing fee.

6.1.2.3.Cash

Cash will be accepted. Be sure to get a receipt.

7.Due Dates and Fees

PAYMENTS / SINGLE PAYMENT / TWO INSTALLMENT / DUE DATE
Registration Fee / $1800 / (1) $1000 / Thu., Mar. 23, 2017
(2) $850 / Mon., May 1, 2017
Insurance (Karelo.com) / $150 / $150 / Mon., May 1, 2017
TOTAL / $1950 / $2000
LATENESS / ADDITIONAL FEE
1-3 business days / $50
4-6 business days / $100
7 or more business days / $200

7.1.Player Registration

7.1.1Process

a)Captains must register all players on their team through the TFONT website and Karelo.com.

See Instruction Sheet for Karelo.com.

b)No player should play in a game without first being registered on Karelo.com for that team due to insurance liability.

c)Captains must also register using MTFL’s registration system online.

7.1.2Player Agreement

‘PlayerRegistration andAssumption of Risk and ReleaseofLiabilityAgreement’

a)*Each year / season, ALL players must fill out this form. *NEW THIS SEASON

b)All players must be male and 18 years of age.

c)Players may only be registered with one MTFL team.

7.1.3.Team Rosters

a)Roster Policy

b)Roster changes (additions, deletions) should be reflected on both MTFL and TFONT (Karelo.com) systems.

c)*Maximum 21 players; minimum 13 players recommended *CHANGED THIS YEAR

d)Game suspensions may be assigned to Captains for playing ineligible / unregistered players.

7.2.Insurance

KARELO.COM is the registration system used by TFONT for teams and players. Because MTFL receives its insurance through TFONT, all MTFL players must be registered on this system before playing in any MTFL-scheduled game. Teams who use players who are not registered on Karelo.com, are subject to league discipline, and put themselves at risk in terms of liability should a serious injury occur.

Note: Players are encouraged to acquire their own personal insurance to cover medical costs, loss of work, etc. due to injuries incurred during their recreational activities.

8.FIELD PERMITS, SCHEDULING & RESCHEDULING

8.1.Field Permits

MTFL rents high school fields and Mississauga Valleys (Gilbert Field) for touch football. Because Valleys is a lit field, we schedule two games a night at this field.

High School Fields: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu – availability varies field to field; limited access on Thu

Valleys: Mon, Tue

Please ensure that garbage at field sites is properly disposed of.

Consumption of alcohol and smoking are prohibited at game sites.

Note also that urinating at game site – a public place - is against local bylaws. A concern was expressed last season by the City due to a complaint that was lodged by local resident(s) (Port Credit).

At the Valleys, players should not enter the field until the facility has been unlocked by Game Officials or an MTFL Executive Member. Players should not climb the fence.

Our field permits require that we do not abuse our privileges.

8.2.Regular-Season Games

Regular-season games begin on Tues., May 23, 2017.

Most games are played Mon, Tue, Wed. with limited access on Thu.

Game start time at HIGH SCHOOL FIELDS is 7 pm until Aug. when games start at 6:45 pm

Game start time at VALLEYS is 7 pm and 8:30 pm – survey did not support change to 7:30 pm and 9 pm

Games are not scheduled on Holidays.

For some divisions, interdivisional play may be deemed advisable.

For TFONT Tournament Teams, Mondays following a weekend tournament will be avoided.

Results from League-initiated survey support a 10-game schedule (for all divisions).

8.3.Playoff Games

Playoff games start in August.

Game start time is 6:30 pm to allow for overtime play.

Championship games will likely be scheduled for Aug.; however, early Sep may be needed too.

Championship games are scheduled for the Valleys.

8.4.Weather Policy

The City can cancel permits on the day of the game. They try to provide warning of closures by 3 p.m. on game day. Otherwise, it is up to the Game Officials to proceed with the game, wait for the weather to clear, or postpone the game (cancel for that day). Therefore, it is important for players to assume the game will be played unless they hear otherwise from the League or Captains. Captains should check for messages around 3:30 p.m. and/or check the League Homepage for any updates.

See weather policy

8.5.Divisional Alignment

Divisions are aligned based on several factors such as:

the addition of new teams or the disbanding of veteran teams

recruitment or loss of players by veteran teams

performance and results from the previous season(s) in the MTFL

performance in tournaments and other leagues

team captain’s input on his team’s anticipated performance

8.6.Scheduling - Team Preference Sheet

See Team Preference Formfor online version.

To download a printable copy, see MTFL website’s Resources -> Forms-(bottom of page).

The Team Preference form is available for each team to complete.

Flexibility is encouraged.

Please follow the instructions, complete the form, and submit it at the end of the meeting.

Alternatively, fill out the form online.

Deadline is Thu., April 13, 2017.

▪After this date, the Scheduler will assume that you have no preferences for games and you are willing to accept whatever schedule is constructed for your team.

▪Changes to teams’ preferences may be made any time up to this deadline.

▪Changes after the deadline will help the Scheduler with ‘rescheduled’ games.

Team preferences will be used to create the schedule; however, opponent’s request, field and referee availability also influence the degree to which preferences can be honoured.

8.7.Rescheduling of Games

Games that are cancelled by the City or cancelled due to weather conditions at game time, will be rescheduled.See Weather Policy.

Teams may request that a game be rescheduled but only if it is absolutely necessary as there are team-initiated rescheduling fees (excluding exceptional circumstances – compassionate grounds).

8.8.Fees for Team-Initiated Reschedulingand Game Default

Level / Advance Notice / Fee / Fine / Opponent(Team) / MTFL / MOA / * Reschedule Game / **Default / Rationale
1 / no notice to less than 4 hr / $250 / $175 / $50 / $25 / No / Yes / limited or no warning given; opposition at or traveling to game site, inconvenienced, get no game
2 / 4 hr to less than 24 hr / $200 / $150 / $25 / $25 / No / Yes / not enough warning for officials, must be paid; opposition inconvenienced, get no game; not all parties may get message
3 / 24 hr up to 72 hr / $150 / $50 / $75 / $25 / No / Yes / not enough warning for officials, must be paid; opposition inconvenienced, get no game; all parties likely notified
4 / 72 hr up to 1 week / $100 / $25 / $50 / $25 / Yes / No / adequate advanced warning; game rescheduled
5 / 1 week or more / $50 / $20 / $20 / $10 / Yes / No / significant advanced warning; game rescheduled
* with 72 hr notice or more, game is rescheduled; referees paid for rescheduled game
**with less than 72 hr notice, game is not rescheduled; referees paid for game

9.REGULAR SEASON AND PLAYOFF GAME ELIGIBILITY

9.1.Regular-Season Game Eligibility

In order to be eligible for an MTFL regular-season game, a player must:

Complete and submit a 2017‘Player Registration & Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Agreement’.